Lisbon Treaty

Centralizing Europe

Meant as a series of amendments to the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome, the Lisbon Treaty made the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding and increased the power of the EU parliament and institutions.

The Lisbon Treaty clearly intends for the size of the European Commission to be reduced below its present size of 27 members. But EU leaders have reached unanimous agreement to sidestep the provision -- and even plan to add a seat to the table for the Croatians. By Christoph Schultmore...[ Comment ]

The European Union recently launched its brand new citizens' initiative program and already there are several groups busily gathering signatures across the Continent. While the move is a bold experiment in direct democracy, many say it is too cumbersome to work. By Caille Millnermore...

As the weakest of the EU's three major institutions, the European Parliament has often been viewed as little more than a rubber stamp for the others. But Martin Schulz, the German Social Democrat who will become its president next week, plans to change that -- and he's not afraid of ruffling feathers in the process. By Christoph Hickmann and Christoph Schultmore...[ Comment ]

Having vetoed his way into isolation at last week's European Union summit, British Prime Minister David Cameron is now looking for allies. And there are indications he might find them. The Czech Republic and Hungary on Thursday agreed that tight fiscal rules should only apply to euro-zone members. more...

British Prime Minister David Cameron may have done his best to defend his EU veto before parliament on Monday. But many have begun grumbling that the premier's appearance in Brussels was little more than a comedy of errors. German commentators say it could have far-reaching consequences. more...

European Union leaders will be gathering in Brussels on Thursday and Friday for one of the most anticipated EU summits ever. Some say that the very survival of the common currency is at stake. But even as Germany's Angela Merkel will be focused on stricter budget rules, several other proposals are also on the table. SPIEGEL ONLINE provides an overview. By Charles Hawleymore...

The old European Union didn't work, that much has been made clear by the ongoing debt crisis. But many in Europe think there is now a clear path to a new, more integrated -- and smaller -- bloc. What must happen first? Greater democracy and less nation-state sovereignty. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Chancellor Angela Merkel has always rejected a two-track Europe. But with the euro crisis persisting, Berlin is now considering far-reaching new powers for the Euro Group -- to the detriment of the European Commission. Could it work? By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Many prominent politicians are calling for the introduction of jointly issued euro bonds to help combat the European debt crisis. But research conducted by the German government suggests that the bonds would face tough legal challenges, and would cost Germany billions in additional borrowing costs. more...

Despite the myriad problems currently facing the European Union, democratization is not the answer. Rather, the EU's elites need to improve -- and power has to be taken away from the periphery. An Essay by Herfried Münklermore...